The A.M.E. Zion Hymnal ‎#100

100. In the Bleak Midwinter

1 In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

2 Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;
heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

3 Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
cherubim and seraphim thronged the air,
but only his mother only, in her maiden bliss,
worshiped the beloved with a kiss.

4 What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb,
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part,
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.

Text Information

• First Line: In the bleak midwinter
• Title: In the Bleak Midwinter
• Author: Christina G. Rossetti (1972)
• Meter: Irr.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1999
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-14
• Topic: Advent and Nativity

Tune Information

• Name: CRANHAM
• Composer: Gustav Holst (1906)
• Meter: Irr.
• Key: F Major or modal